Mellencamp to headline 2008 Farm Aid in New England

Co-founders Willie Nelson, Neil Young to play concert

Co-founders Willie Nelson, Neil Young to play concert

July 16, 2008

BOSTON (AP) — Farm Aid, the long-running benefit concert, will be held this year in New England for the first time. The show will be held Sept. 20 at the Comcast Center in Mansfield, co-founder John Mellencamp said Tuesday. Farm Aid, which held its first concert in 1985 and has raised more than $30 million, supports family farms. "New England was built on the strength of independent family farmers," said Mellencamp, who was in Boston for concerts Monday and Tuesday. "We can honor that independent spirit by joining Farm Aid to grow the movement that is changing the way all of America eats." Farm Aid co-founders Willie Nelson, Mellencamp and Neil Young will headline the concert, along with board member Dave Matthews, who owns the Best of What's Around farm near Scottsville, Va. More performers will be announced later. Organizers plan to offer local and organic farm products at the concert, such as apples, cider and baked goods, as well as information on composting, water and soil quality and other farming topics. Farm Aid executive director Carolyn Mugar says organizers have long wanted to have a show in New England to highlight the region's agriculture. The organization is based in the Boston suburb of Somerville.